Daniel "Dan" Eugene Popp, 86, passed away on Tuesday, November 2, 2020.
Dan was born on September 24, 1934 in Abbott, Texas to Henry and Bessie Lastovica Popp. Dan was the fourth of eight children and is survived by his sisters, Naomi Scott, Bess Jez, and Linda Garner. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Ernest and Henry Popp and sisters, Anne Emery and Lana Gipson.
After graduating from Abbott High School, a year behind Willie Nelson, Dan joined the Army where he completed a tour in Germany and competed in marksmanship. After leaving the Army, Dan moved to Dallas and then married Mary Katherine "Kay" Mashek of West, TX on October 1, 1961. They recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Dan and Kay made Arlington, TX their lifelong home and they were members of St. Alban's Anglican church.
After a brief stint selling office supplies and furniture, Dan spent the rest of his career working as a Sales Manager for companies that sold wholesale textiles. He loved a good awning. Dan also loved oil painting, taking a backroad, small Texas towns, kolaches, deer hunting and working in the yard. He despised carrots.
In high school, Dan lettered in three sports and he continued to follow them enthusiastically throughout his life. He loved (and was often left broken hearted by) the Texas Rangers. Even into his 80's he would endure the Texas heat to attend games and cheer them on.
Dan is survived by his wife, Kay; his daughters, Carol Popp and Julie Winchester and her husband, David. Dan was also the proudest of grandfathers to Daniel, Joshua, and Sarah Winchester.